But not enough to prevent me from recognizing him instantly.
I stared.
“Stephen.”
His expression changed.
“Alana.”
Forty years disappeared in a second.
“You still have a remarkable talent for appearing after I’ve already made up my mind.”
He glanced toward the garage.
“I knew this might be awkward.”
“Awkward?”
I folded my arms.
“Is that what we’re calling it?”
Emma stepped between us.
“I invited him, Mom.”
“I know.”
I looked directly at Stephen.
“I’m sure you still know how to make yourself sound reasonable.”
He lowered the paper bag.
“I came because I wanted to return something that belonged to you.”
“You already sold it.”
“I didn’t know you would want it.”
A bitter laugh escaped me.
“You never understood what I wanted.”
Then I started pulling photographs from the wall.
Stephen watched.
“Alana.”
“Don’t.”
“Please look at the pictures in order.”
“I don’t need you telling me what to do.”
